The DMS-250 System: The Premier Switching System for Long Distance Networks

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1 The DMS-250 System: AT A GLANCE The Premier Switching System for Long Distance Networks Compete and succeed in long distance markets with the DMS-250 system a flexible, service-rich platform designed to support profitability and growth The DMS-250 system is designed to support profitability and growth in an atmosphere of heightened competition Market Conditions The long distance carrier market is growing as never before. In 1996, the long distance industry generated $80 billion in revenue, and this number is expected to continue to grow in high single digits through the end of the decade. Since 1984, long distance revenue has more than doubled, and the number of minutes of use has more than tripled. Revenues from international calling, 900 number, and pay phone services are expected to grow at or near a double-digit rate over the next five years. The tidal wave of regulatory reform in North America is overturning state and local barriers to competition. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 will eventually create even greater opportunity for shares of this growing long distance market. The DMS-250 Solution The DMS-250 platform is a tandem switching system that provides toll switching functions for small, medium, or large interexchange carriers (IXCs). The DMS-250 has evolved into a service-rich system that makes extensive use of advanced signaling systems, such as Common Channel Signaling System 7 (CCS7) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Primary Rate Interface (PRI), as well as Intelligent Network (IN) and Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) capabilities. The DMS-250 system can be configured to handle from 480 to more than 100,000 trunks, and can be partitioned for multi-function applications, such as international switching applications and International Direct Distance Dialing (IDDD). The DMS-250 system also offers enhanced billing and administrative functions, and supports a variety of custom features for specialized common carriers, such as public speed calling, conference calling, and access to the carrier s operator. i

2 Competitive Advantages The DMS-250 system offers the following competitive advantages: Fast Delivery of New Features The layered architecture of the DMS family of switches allows Nortel to develop frequent software upgrades for the DMS-250 and to perform these upgrades with little or no downtime. In addition, Software Optionality Control (SOC) lets you choose which features to activate at the time of installation, or when to implement them quickly at your convenience. Easy Growth as Your Market Grows The modular, scalable design of DMS-250 hardware allows you to gradually increase port availability as your customer base grows. For example, a DMS-250 system can easily grow from a relatively small configuration of 480 ports up to 100,000 ports (depending on the mix of call types) through incremental additions. This reduces initial investment without hindering your growth. Protected Investment The switches in the DMS family, from local to international systems, are based on the DMS common hardware platform. This means that, by simply adding software, a DMS-250 can become a DMS-300/250 international switch. Adding different software, peripherals, and certain DMS-100 hardware elements creates a DMS-500 switch for local and long distance service. This gives a network uncommon flexibility and protects your investment as you expand into new markets. New products such as DMS-Programmable Services Architecture (PSA), for example, provide flexible feature deployment and open interfaces to intelligent networks such as Nortel s ServiceBuilder. Compatibility with Existing Equipment Nortel follows an open architecture policy in its product development. The DMS-250 system is fully compatible with industry-standard telecommunications protocols, including CCS7 and ISDN standards. This allows you to gradually upgrade to Nortel equipment, rather than replacing an entire office at once. Rich Selection of Features Nortel s design team has produced an extensive portfolio of desirable features. The DMS-250 system comes with an impressive complement of customer billing options, as well as powerful IN and AIN capabilities. ii

3 About This Document This document is intended as an introduction to the DMS-250 long distance switching system. As such, it touches only on the highlights. It has been written to complement, not replace, more detailed Nortel technical documents. Contents Market Opportunities... 1 DMS-250 Service Solutions... 5 DMS-250 Product Overview... 8 System Software System Hardware DMS-250 SuperNode SE The Nortel Advantage Competitive Networks...14 For More Information For additional information, please contact your regional Nortel representative, or call the Nortel Sales and Marketing Information Center at NORTEL ( ). Our World Wide Web address is iii

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5 ❶ Market Opportunities Types of long distance providers: Facilities-based carriers own almost all of their equipment. Facilities-based switched resellers own some equipment and lease the rest. Switchless, or true resellers lease all of the network facilities they use. Wholesalers, or aggregators resell volume blocks of long distance service provided by one service provider to another provider, who bills the user. The carriers carrier builds extensive transmission facilities to sell access to other carriers. Increased market competition has led to rapid technological innovation in the capacity and features available on long distance switches. Customers want the highest quality transmission, minimal downtime, and a wide range of features all at the best price. In this dynamic environment, there are several critical success factors to consider when choosing a long distance network partner: A partner who understands your business. Since the inception of the interexchange carrier (IXC) market, Nortel has been addressing the complete communications needs of our long distance customers with a full portfolio of products and services, not just for long distance but for public carriers, access, transmission, and enterprise networks. A switch that is reliable. Nortel s DMS-250 family of long distance switching systems features fully redundant network architecture. As a result, the DMS-250 is one of the most reliable switches available today. A switch that provides extensive revenue-generating services. The DMS-250 switching system provides a feature-rich suite of revenue-generating services. This portfolio can be used as the basis for creating tailored service packages to meet your customers unique voice and data communications requirements. Nortel s NetworkBuilder software offers a portfolio of in-switch triggers which enables out-of-switch service creation and customization using Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) architecture. A switch supplier with a clear vision of the future. The business of telecommunications is changing at a more rapid pace than ever before. A long distance carrier s network must be flexible to meet changing market requirements. Your ability to satisfy those critical requirements, today and in the future, depends on your network s power and feature capability. A partner who can provide you with complete support services. Selecting a switching network is one of the most important decisions your business will make. Your investment should include total support from your switching network partner. Through our Support Services group, Nortel has the expertise to provide a complete array of support services, from network planning right through switch operations. 1

6 Owning the DMS-250 System Is it more advantageous to serve as a carrier owning and controlling its own switches or as a reseller, capitalizing on facilities provided by other companies? Here are some considerations that weigh into this decision: Owning the DMS-250 switch gives you control over the services you provide. Control Network Costs The owner of switching equipment controls operating costs. As new technologies become available to reduce these costs such as improvements in access and transmission systems, and centralized network management systems the savings are seen immediately. Carriers that rely on others to provide facilities may or may not see these savings passed along in lease rates. For resellers, network acquisition costs which can be 60% to 70% of total costs are controlled by a third party, often a competitor. Develop Customized Features DMS-250 owners are encouraged to join in the design process by participating in Nortel s unique continuous planning process for feature development. Carriers that own their own switches are better able to determine which features are most valuable to their customers, now and in the future. Establish Differentiators Network features, such as sophisticated new calling capabilities, are controlled by the network provider. Providers can establish the differentiators they need by choosing from among all of the available features and assembling tailored feature packages for target customers. Given that many sales are won or lost on features and feature flexibility, providers would be hard-pressed to offer a competitive edge when they do not control the set of features they could offer. Collect Valuable Customer Information The organization that owns the long distance switch and billing system also has the customer information it produces, including name, number, billing data, and usage trends. The valuable billing data produced by switches can help in developing more effective targeted marketing campaigns. Control Quality Facilities-based carriers control the quality of the service they provide. In the event of a service problem, customers can become aware that their service is not actually provided by the branded carrier but by another carrier. In this case, customers are likely to question whether they should be getting their service directly from the carrier that owns the facilities. Provide Brand Identification The owner of the switch controls the features that correctly identify a customer s service provider. When long distance customers reach directory assistance and recorded announcements, for example, they should hear the name of the company selling the service, which may or may not be the company with the switch. The technology is available to have switches and audio processing platforms brand calls for different carriers, but the control for correctly implementing this capability will rest with the carrier that owns the switch platform. 2

7 Entering the Long Distance Market Competition in the long distance market is aggressive. Price discounting, prevalent through the 1980s, has given way to brand recognition and market differentiation. Carriers are investing heavily in promotion and advertising, service customization, and international expansion in order to continue the high growth levels they previously experienced. The successful interlata and international long distance carrier will provide the following advantages: Service Parity with the Experienced Players Service parity is easy to accomplish with the DMS-250 switch, because a majority of the IXC carriers use the DMS-250. The DMS-250 currently has an installed base in the United States of nine million ports. In fact, Nortel designed and built much of North America s telecommunications infrastructure. Differentiating Services The DMS-250 gives extensive options for providing differentiating services. You can select the features you want now. Using Nortel s Software Optionality Control (SOC), services that are not currently needed can still be available on the switch, ready to be turned on as you grow. And Nortel s emphasis on R&D ensures a commitment to solutions for continued growth. Speed to Market Speed to market determines how soon you can offer your target customers the most recently developed features. Nortel s layered software architecture makes upgrading quick and seamless. This gives you a competitive advantage in offering exciting new feature packages with a reduced time to market and therefore reduced time to profit. To enter the long-distance market, certain standard features are required. These features can be likened to table stakes i.e., they are the cost of becoming a player in the market. To attract customers away from their current service providers, you must provide the market differentiators the features that make you the best service provider for your target customer (see Figure 1.) 3

8 Differentiators MCCS MVP Courtesy Response Voice Recognition 800/888 Services AIN 0.2 Services NetworkBuilder Busy Services VPN Personal Number Tablestakes Services Speed Dial 800/888 Services Personal Number Travel Card VPN Authorization/Account Code Validation TCAP (IN/1)- Based Services 900 Service DWS VPN MCCS MVP 800 Service Operator Services Account Codes PIN Numbers Hotline ANI Screening Speed Dial Calling Card Time of Day CDR In-Switch Services Abbreviations: ANI Automatic Number Identification; CDR Call Detail Recording; DWS Dialable Wideband Service; MMCS Mechanized Calling Card System; MVP Mechanized Voice Prompt; PIN Personal Identification Number; VPN Virtual Private Network Figure 1. Tablestakes Services vs. Market Differentiators At minimum, long distance providers are expected to offer outbound number service, calling cards, and operator backing for all services. Competitive advantage, however, requires more than service parity. It will require strategic differentiators, such as debit card acceptance, voice recognition, global virtual private networks, and telecommuting service. All of these services and more are available on the DMS-250 switching system and can be creatively packaged to match the network provider s business strategy. 4

9 ❷ DMS-250 Service Solutions Value-Added Long Distance Services In addition to basic long distance services which provide basic toll revenues the competitive long distance provider will offer additional revenue-generating services, such as information databases, enterprise networking, data and video services, and multiple dialing plans such as International Direct Distance Dialing (IDDD). These services make extensive use of advanced signaling systems such as SS7 and ISDN PRI, as well as Intelligent Network (IN) capabilities. Information Database Services When industry-standard interfaces and communication protocols are used among network components, the DMS-250 switch can send inquiries to external databases to get special information about how to handle the call. For example, an external database could contain records that detail the kinds of calls a subscriber can make, the authorization or account code of the subscriber, and even the telephone numbers he or she is allowed to call. By placing this information on an external database rather than on the switch itself, it can be accessed by many switches and only has to be updated in one or a few locations, rather than at every switch in the network. The DMS-250 switching system supports the following key types of information database services: 500 and 700 Number Services Interexchange carriers use 500 and 700 numbers to trigger information database queries for a number of purposes. For example, a traveling business person could have a 700 number which, when called, would trigger a database query to find out where this caller is at the moment and how to direct the call to a home phone, office phone, cellular phone, fax machine, or pager. The 500 and 700 number capability can also be used to give callers access to network features and other customized services. 800/8XX Number Services With an 800/8XX number, businesses can receive and pay a bulk rate for high levels of incoming calling traffic across LATA boundaries. The person placing the call is not charged for the call. Therefore, 800/8XX number services are indispensable marketing tools for ordertaking, reservations centers, customer service lines, and inbound telemarketing applications. In 1994, this service accounted for $10 billion of the long distance market, with an annual growth rate of about 14%. 900 Number Services Companies use 900-numbers to offer information to the calling public for a fee. Unlike 800-number calls, which are paid for by the owner of the 800 number (and free to the caller), 900-number calls are charged to the caller, often for per-minute rates as high as $3 or $5. As a result, 900 number 5

10 service is expected to account for about $300 million of long distance revenue each year. Account and/or Authorization Codes These codes allow providers to use an information database to determine which customers have access to which services. A corporation, for example, could use account codes to help eliminate long distance fraud and organize phone bills by account or department. Or, families could choose to block anyone from placing 900-number calls from the household phone, unless an authorization code was dialed first. Calling Card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) Calls These calls recognize dialed codes (a 14-digit calling card code) as a request by the customer for access to a special long distance service, carrier, or billing account. Because it allows customers to access their long distance carriers when away from home, this service alone accounts for $6 billion to $7 billion of the long distance market. Local Number Portability (LNP) LNP allows subscribers to keep their telephone numbers and access to advanced services when changing their location or service provider. LNP will help encourage local phone competition by ensuring that subscribers have the same freedom of choice for local service that they currently have for long distance service. With the ability to keep their telephone number, subscribers can choose a provider based on pricing, service, and features. Public Network Services With the DMS-250 switching system, long distance providers can offer services that use public telecommunications facilities to create enterprise networks that cross LATA boundaries. Even though these services use a hybrid of the company s private network and the carrier s public network, they look and feel just like a completely private network to the user. Multilocation businesses use these services to provide the functionality of a national or international private network without the prohibitive cost of installing and maintaining one. Here are some sample ways in which the DMS-250 system supports enterprise networking: Dedicated Access Lines (DALs) allow a business to lease public network trunks and use them for private wide area network (WAN) data communications bypassing the local telephone company and its access charges for long distance service. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allow multi-location business customers to route private network traffic through public facilities and cross LATA boundaries to other company branches without the expense of leasing private lines. The company benefits from the robustness and route-diversity of the public network while enjoying considerable cost savings over maintaining its own network facilities. From the user s standpoint, the network performs just like a private network, using public network facilities behind the scenes. 6

11 Data and Video Services The DMS-250 system supports a broad range of fast-growing data and video switching applications. Among the key offerings deployed today are the following: ISDN Primary Rate Interface (PRI) is a protocol that allows voice and data equipment to communicate more quickly and effectively over standard T1 connections. For example, PRI lets ISDN PBX systems in separate locations connect calls as quickly and use the same features, such as calling line ID or call transfer as calls within a building. Many larger businesses have PRI service provided by long distance carriers, often using the PRI connection to aggregate a lot of telecommunications traffic from multiple locations and funnel it to the public network. Dialable Wideband Service offers on-demand, easily tracked connections of variable bandwidth such as that required in videoconferencing over public facilities, potentially reaching any subscriber in the international numbering plan. Dialable Wideband Service expands the customer s reach beyond the limitations of private DS-1 lines in an easily accessible, affordable manner via the public network. 7

12 ❸ DMS-250 Product Overview Software innovations accelerate the introduction of new features and improve DMS system field performance and management System Software Layered Software Architecture. In 1994 and 1995, Nortel re-engineered the software of DMS family switches to accelerate the time-to-market of new services and enhancements and offer a larger number of features, as a result of more efficient development and testing. Custom Layer UCS The new layered architecture partitions DMS SuperNode software into independent layers with well-defined and closely managed links to other layers. A base Communications Services Platform (CSP) layer serves as the common platform for all DMS SuperNode applications, such as the DMS-100, DMS- 200, and DMS-500 switching systems. Product Layer Base Layer (CSP) TOPS DMS100 Inter-Exchange DMS-250 Telecom Layer Base Layer DMS SuperNode Platform Nortel s Layered Software Architecture Layered architecture enables Nortel to add features to the Custom Layer built by the Universal Carrier Services (UCS) load with minimal impact on existing software. The modular design can be quickly upgraded as new technology becomes available. That means less redesign of existing code, which in turn means less time spent developing and testing. And that means that new features can start to generate revenue more quickly. Product Computing Module Loads (PCLs). Hand in hand with software re-design came the Universal introduction of Product Computing Carrier Module Loads (PCLs), which Services contain all the features for a series particular switch type and market. The UCS load is the PCL for the DMS-250 market. Some features are standard; others are optional and licensed separately. The name given to a PCL load contains eight characters, as shown in the diagram. UCS0000 Market segment Incremental level of load 8

13 For the UCS DMS-250 market, Nortel has defined the following PCLs to address the major long-distance market segments: Name UCS0000x Description UCS Tandem Services Base The basic requirements for long-distance carrier service, such as call processing treatments, screening, and more. Standard Features: Operations, Administration and Maintenance Signaling System No.7 ISDN PRI Data Communications Billing and Fraud Control Optional Features: Dialable Wideband Services Card Services Routing N00 Routing Network Services Release Link Trunk Network Interfaces for PRI Carrier AIN Flexible Call Detail Recording Programmable Service Node UCSE000x UCS Enhanced Tandem Services Base All the standard and optional features in the UCS Tandem Services Base, plus: Switch software required for operator services (Operator Services Interfaces) Additional options in network services, such as the resourceconserving Release Link Trunk (RLT) feature UCSI000x UCS Tandem Services with Integrated Node (INode) Base All the standard and optional features in the UCS Tandem Services Base, plus additional software required to provide Service Switching Point/ Signal Transfer Point (SSP/STP) functionality on the UCS DMS-250 system. UCSC000x UCS Comprehensive Services Base All the standard and optional software of the three PCLs listed above A shorthand method of referring to a number of PCLs is to refer to their common development stream release. This product release is seen as UCS0x (such as UCS06 or UCS07 ). When a certain feature is scheduled to be generally available in UCS05, it means that the software is planned to be available in UCS00005, UCSE0005, UCSI0005, and UCSC0005, unless specifically noted. (The UCS0x product release is not orderable, but represents the vintage of software from which a PCL is built.) 9

14 System Hardware DMS-250 hardware is fully duplicated for reliability and decreased downtime during upgrades. The modular design of the hardware allows the system to grow from 480 to 100,000 trunks handling up to 800,000 busy hour call attempts, depending on the mix of call types as your customer base increases. Nortel also designed the DMS-250 switch with an open architecture, to provide interoperability with current hardware. Key hardware components of the DMS-250 system include: DMS-Core The DMS-Core is the central processing unit (CPU) and memory of the system, handling high-level call processing, system control functions, system maintenance, and the installation of new switch software. At the center of the DMS-Core design strategy is the use of commercially available microprocessors, allowing it to evolve and incorporate the latest advances in processing technology as they are introduced. Because the DMS-Core accommodates a range of microprocessors, the DMS-250 system is available with different levels of DMS-Core processing power, enabling long distance carriers to increase processing power as needed. The latest processor to be used in the DMS-250 is the Series 70 BRISC processor. (BRISC, BNR Reduced Instruction Set Computing, is Nortel s implementation of RISC technology.) Based on the Motorola RISC processor, the Series 70 EM has 512 MB of on-board memory and increases real-time capacity 1.5 times over the previous Series 60 processor. Link Peripheral Processor (LPP) To allow carriers to capitalize on their investment the DMS-250 switch the architecture is designed around a distributed processing strategy that lets various application and peripheral processors share many tasks. This distributed processing architecture allows network providers to incrementally add processing elements to their system. The Link Peripheral Processor (LPP) is central to many long distance applications because it handles much of the processing for CCS7 networking. The LPP can grow from a simple, single-shelf unit with 12 interface units (circuit packs), or a fully loaded configuration supporting up to 36 interface units. The DMS SuperNode SE (see description below) can support up to 24 interface units for large systems that require external routing. DMS-Bus The high-speed DMS-Bus is the traffic cop of the DMS-250 system, a data bus connecting the various computing elements and enabling peer-to-peer communications among components of the switch. Most importantly, the DMS-Bus is the key design element that allows the DMS-250 system to be a true multicomputing platform, onto which peripheral processors such as the LPP can be added to grow both the capacity and the service portfolio of the system. For the minimum 10

15 DMS-250 system, the DMS-Bus is provisioned with 16 megabytes of memory in the Message Switch. Switch Matrix The Enhanced Network (ENET) The DMS-250 switching matrix, the ENET, switches calls to their destinations. The ENET uses the latest technology in chip design and system packaging to support both today s services like voice and narrowband data and a range of future services. The ENET infrastructure is housed in a standard DMS SuperNode cabinet, with all the benefits this packaging offers in protection from electromagnetic interference, electrostatic discharge, and Zone 4 earthquake forces. The intelligent switching matrix is equipped with an internal 32-bit processor. Its non-blocking architecture allows the switch to communicate with peripherals through fiber optic connections. By exporting some duties off-switch, the ENET enhances reliability, reduces office footprint, simplifies modular growth, reduces power requirements, and improves system performance. Trunk Interfaces Peripheral modules form a bridge between the DMS-250 switching matrix and the trunks it serves. They handle voice and data traffic to and from customers (in the case of Dedicated Access Lines) and other switching systems. All peripheral modules must have XPM PLUS, which offers almost twice the memory of earlier hardware and more real-time capacity. DMS-250 trunk interfaces terminate DS-1, ISDN PRI, X.75/X.75 packet-networking, and analog trunks, and also accommodate test and service circuits used in office and facility maintenance. An integrated echo canceller can also be provisioned to save floor space. Operations, Administration, and Maintenance Billing, the lifeblood of the long distance carrier, requires the maintenance of realtime, transaction-based billing records for many thousands of customers and scores of variants in service pricing. The DMS-250 system supports billing by automatically providing detailed data, formatted into call detail records, from which bills are constructed. With the UCS Billing Server feature, the DMS-250 can capture and transfer up to 800,000 call detail records per hour. These billing operations are performed without slowing central processing. The input/output controller (IOC) facilitates billing and various operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) activities. Maintenance and billing devices either reside in or are connected to an input/output frame. OAM functions are managed through the Maintenance and Administration Position (MAP), which provides a single point of access to the switch s internal architecture, including peripheral components. The MAP enables authorized personnel to perform general maintenance functions on the DMS-250 system. 11

16 DMS-250 SuperNode SE The DMS-250 is also available in a smaller package, the SuperNode Size Enhanced (SN SE). The DMS SuperNode SE provides the same advanced features and services as the standard DMS-250 in a single, attractive cabinet. This is an ideal cost-effective solution for smaller offices that do not require the high trunk capacity of the larger version. Table A offers a comparison of the SN SE and the standard DMS-250 SuperNode. Table A. SuperNode/SuperNode SE Comparison Item DMS-SuperNode SE DMS-250 SuperNode Memory 736 MB 736 MB ENET Size 16K 128K Input/Output Controllers (IOCs) Supported System Load Module (SLM) Supported 6 6 SLM III: 500 MB tape drive 1 GB disk drive SLM III: 500 MB tape drive 1 GB disk drive SS7 Links (with routers) CPU Processor BRISC Series 60/70/70 EM BRISC Series 60/70 EM Trunk Capacity , ,000 Busy Hour Call Attempts (BHCA) (depends on typical mix of call types) 90, ,000 DMS-300/250 Supported Yes Yes Upgradeable to the DMS-500 Yes Yes The DMS-250 SN SE s compact footprint and reduced number of components significantly lower operating costs associated with space, sparing and power requirements. This allows service providers to extend revenue-generating capabilities to small and medium-sized offices. CCS7 Link Interface Units (LIU7s) in the core cabinet enable the DMS-250 SN SE to be economically configured as a switching point (SP) to connect A-links to the CCS7 network. The SN SE also offers a graceful migration path for upgrading to the full DMS-250 SuperNode system as your office grows. The hardware of the SN SE is virtually identical to the standard system in function, reliability, and speed. The DMS-Core, complete with duplicated Series 70 EM BRISC processors and two System Load Modules (SLMs), is condensed to a single shelf. The SLMs provide storage primarily for the office software images and peripheral module loads. Other office data storage is typically stored on external disk drive units. 12

17 As in the standard DMS-250, the SN SE s DMS-Bus consists of duplicated 128- Mbps Message Switches (MSs) that deliver the full 32-bit wide message transaction power of the two-shelf MS on one shelf. The single-shelf version offers eight provisionable interface slots, optimized for small and medium-sized applications. The single-shelf ENET provides 14,336 provisionable channels and 2,048 channels for system messaging, while offering the same capabilities available with the larger versions. The single-shelf LPP (Link Interface Shelf) offers an economical startup platform for CCS7 communication to support advanced services, such as Global Virtual Private Networking. New applications can be supported by adding more interface units. 13

18 ❹ The Nortel Advantage Competitive Networks Nortel has been building competitive long distance networks since Today more than 100 long distance carriers use Nortel equipment and services. With more than 400 switches providing nine million ports in service globally, Nortel has established itself as the preferred supplier of long distance switch solutions. Much of North America s telecommunications infrastructure was designed and built by Nortel. Nortel deployed the first fully digital switches more than two decades ago, and we have teamed with network providers worldwide to deliver more than 110 million lines of digital switching in over 90 countries. To achieve this position, Nortel has established close working relationships with each carrier. Our customers tell us what they want and, in turn, we offer them products and services that can help to fuel their business plans for rapid revenue expansion and market share growth. Top carriers have chosen Nortel and the DMS family of switches to be their main resource in North America. Now, as these carriers enter the lucrative global marketplace, they are choosing Nortel and the DMS portfolio to form the backbone of their international business expansion. New and/or enhanced product offerings such as Programmable Services Architecture (PSA); NetworkBuilder (Carrier Advanced Intelligent Network); and Network Supervision Tools, a portfolio of advanced network tools which includes NETWORKS, Network Operations Analyzer and Assistant (NOAA), and Dynamically Controlled Routing (DCR) continue to demonstrate Nortel s commitment to providing the best, most up-to-date suite of products available today. Nortel offers one of the broadest portfolios of network products in the industry. We design and build products to work together by using common components, operational practices, and interfaces. This strategy reduces your costs for training, administration, maintenance, and provisioning. 14

19 Support Services... Take advantage of Nortel s complete approach to network planning and building, from business case development to network operations.... a program designed to help your business every step of the way. Support Services Nortel offers its customers a total network solution by helping them build, operate, and market telecommunications services as well as by providing contracted turnkey operations. Nortel s veteran network planning organization has worked with new market entrants for over 15 years. This expertise is made available through the Support Services Group, which offers optional, as-needed services to complement a network provider s core staff and internal resources. With our knowledge of the carrier network business and our proven ability to deliver state-of-the-art communications solutions, Nortel can offer a comprehensive approach to network building. Among the broad range of optional services that Nortel makes available are: Business Planning Any level of service, from business plan development to tactical assistance in implementing sales strategies in a target market. Network Design and Services Development Analysis and design of local or global networks to meet business requirements, better integrate new services into an existing network, and more using sophisticated planning and modeling tools. Engineering Services Design for up-to-date networks that meet current needs and enable cost-effective future growth... plus in-service engineering that fine tunes the switch for maximum efficiency in call processing, facility use, and equipment capacity. Operations and Maintenance A choice of different support levels, including the following: (1) complete switch maintenance and management; (2) on-site technicians to help during a critical network rollout period; (3) remote coverage during evenings and weekends; or (4) emergency assistance. By taking advantage of Nortel s expertise in these areas, service providers can quickly enter new local and long distance markets with a differentiating set of services and capabilities. Finally, Nortel can assist with creative financing options that minimize start-up costs and risks, letting providers focus their resources on aggressive market entry strategies. For more information, or an analysis of your network service requirements, contact your Nortel representative or call NORTEL. 15

20 Need Electronic Access? Do you need to cut and paste parts of this document? Would you like instant access to Nortel information as soon as it becomes available? This document and dozens of other Nortel marketing and advance-planning documents are available electronically through the NORTEL ONLINE bulletin board. Just call NORTEL to receive the free software that will put you online. DMS, DMS-100, DMS-250, DMS-500, Nortel, and the Nortel Globemark are trademarks of Nortel (Northern Telecom). All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.